Is it right for you?
Six Sigma Black Belt
Certification - CSSBB
Step 1. Is this the right certification for you?
Here are the minimum expectations, requirements, experience and exam specifics for a Six
Sigma Black Belt. If you already know that this is the certification you want to pursue, move on
to exam preparation.
Required Experience
Six Sigma Black Belt requires two completed projects with signed affidavits or one completed
project with signed affidavit and three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six
Sigma Body of Knowledge. For more information, please see the list of Six Sigma Project
Affidavit FAQs. You do NOT need to be a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt.
Work experience must be in a full time, paid role. Paid intern, co-op or any other course work
cannot be applied towards the work experience requirement.
Minimum Expectations of a Six Sigma Black Belt
Will be able to explain six sigma philosophies and principles, including related systems
and tools (lean, quality, process/continuous improvement, etc.), and will be able to
describe their impact on various business processes throughout the organization.
Will understand the various leadership and six sigma roles and responsibilities. Will
recognize organization roadblocks and be able to use change management techniques to
manage organizational change.
Will be able to define benchmarking and will understand various financial and other
business performance measures. Will be able to identify customer requirements and
describe the impact that six sigma projects can have on various types of customers.
Will have a fundamental understanding of the components and techniques used in
managing teams, including time management, planning and decision-making tools, team
formation, and performance evaluation and reward. Will know how to use appropriate
techniques to overcome various group dynamics challenges.
Will understand the elements of a project charter (problem statement, scope, goals, etc.)
and be able to use various tools to track the project progress.
Will be able to use customer feedback to determine customer requirements.
Will have a basic understanding of data collection techniques, process elements, and
process analysis tools.
Will have a basic understanding of measurement systems.
Will have a basic understanding of probability concepts and distributions.
Will be able to perform statistical and process capability calculations.
Will be able to analyze the results of correlation and regression. analyses. Will be able to
interpret multi-vari study results and interpret attributes data to find sources of variation.
Will be able to define multivariate tools.
Will be able to perform hypothesis testing and analyze their results.
Will understand the elements and purpose of FMEA and be able to use root cause
analysis tools.
Will be able to identify and interpret the 7 classic wastes.
Will be able to use gap analysis tools.
Will be able to plan design of experiments (DOE) and be able to analyze their results.
Will be able to use various tools to eliminate waste and reduce cycle-time.
Will be able to define kaizen, kaizen blitz, and theory of constraints.
Will have a fundamental understanding of how to implement an improved process and
how to analyze and interpret risk studies.
Will be able to implement statistical process control (SPC).
Will understand total productive maintenance (TPM) and visual factory concepts.
Will be able to develop control plans and use various tools to maintain and sustain
improvements.
Will understand common DFSS and DFX methodologies, robust design and processes,
and techniques for strategic and tactical design.
Examination
Each certification candidate is required to pass a written examination that consists of multiplechoice questions that measure comprehension of the Body of Knowledge. The Six Sigma Black
Belt Certification is a four-hour, 150 multiple-choice question examination. It is offered in
English.
Examinations are conducted twice a year, in March and October, by local ASQ sections and
international organizations. All examinations are open-book. Each participant must bring his or
her own reference materials. Use of reference materials and calculators is explained in the
seating letter provided to applicants.
Please Note: The Body of Knowledge for certification is affected by new technologies, policies,
and the changing dynamics of manufacturing and service industries. Changed versions of the
examination based on the current Body of Knowledge are used at each offering.
Is It Right for You? Six Sigma Green Belt Certification - CSSGB
Step 1. Is this the right certification for you?
Here are the requirements and exam specifics for a Six Sigma Green Belt. If you already know
that this is the certification you want to pursue, move on to exam preparation.
Required Experience
Six Sigma Green Belts are employees who spend some of their time on process improvement
teams. They analyze and solve quality problems, and are involved with Six Sigma, lean or other
quality improvement projects. The Six Sigma Green Belt certification requires three years of
work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Green Belt Body of Knowledge. Work
experience must be in a full time, paid role. Paid intern, co-op or any other course work cannot
be applied towards the work experience requirement. Educational waivers are not granted.
Minimum Expectations for a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt
Operates in support of or under the supervision of a Six Sigma Black Belt
Analyzes and solves quality problems
Involved in quality improvement projects
Participated in a project, but has not led a project
Has at least three years of work experience
Has ability to demonstrate their knowledge of Six Sigma tools and processes
Examination
Each certification candidate is required to pass a written examination that consists of multiple
choice questions that measure comprehension of the Body of Knowledge. The Six Sigma Green
Belt Certification is a four-hour, 100 multiple-choice question examination. It is offered in the
English language only.
Examinations are conducted twice a year, in June and December, by local ASQ sections and
international organizations. All examinations are open-book. Each participant must bring his or
her own reference materials. Use of reference materials and calculators is explained in the
seating letter provided to applicants.
Please Note: The Body of Knowledge for certification is affected by new technologies, policies,
and the changing dynamics of manufacturing and service industries. Changed versions of the
examination based on the current Body of Knowledge are used at each offering.
